Addis Ababa, 3 June 2014: The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has learnt with concern of the reports by Human Rights Watch that soldiers of the African-led International Support Mission to the Central African Republic (MISCA) have been involved in the forced disappearance of eleven people in the locality of Boali, about 80 km north of Bangui.

The Chairperson of the Commission stresses that an investigation has been jointly initiated by the MISCA Human Rights component and judicial police officers of the Mission to shed light on these allegations. Based on the findings of the investigation, the AU will take the required action in accordance with the rules governing the functioning of MISCA.

The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that since its deployment on 19 December 2013, MISCA has carried out its mandate in a dedicated and proactive manner. The Mission has contributed greatly to the improvement of the situation on the ground, protecting the civilian population as well as the transitional institutions and key infrastructures of the country in particularly difficult conditions. She further recalls that the AU has a zero tolerance policy for any abuse against civilians and other violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Any transgression of the principles that guide the functioning of MISCA will be treated with utmost severity.

The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates her appreciation to the leadership, as well as to the MISCA civilian and uniformed personnel, for their work, and encourages them to persevere in the efforts towards the effective implementation of the mandate of the Mission so as to facilitate the promotion of lasting peace, security, stability and reconciliation in the CAR.

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